U.S. patent application number 14/934876 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-12 for pump priming assemblies.
The applicant listed for this patent is Generac Power Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mir Khan, Alexander Kobryn, Whitney Montondo, Nic Saeger.
Application Number | 20160131140 14/934876 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55911888 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160131140 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Khan; Mir ; et al. |
May 12, 2016 |
Pump Priming Assemblies
Abstract
An assembly for indicating and communicating a priming charge to
a fluid pump to establish self-sustained operation of the fluid
pump is disclosed. The priming assembly includes an enlarged inlet
associated with a fluid priming chamber and an outlet that is in
fluid communication with the working fluid passage associated with
the pump. The priming assembly includes one or more of a cap or
valve assembly associated with isolating the pump chamber from
atmosphere and preferably includes indicia associated with use
and/or operation of the priming assembly.
Inventors: |
Khan; Mir; (Kenosha, WI)
; Kobryn; Alexander; (Deerfield, WI) ; Montondo;
Whitney; (Waukesha, WI) ; Saeger; Nic;
(Pewaukee, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Generac Power Systems, Inc. |
Waukesha |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55911888 |
Appl. No.: |
14/934876 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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29508574 |
Nov 7, 2014 |
D750139 |
|
|
14934876 |
|
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|
|
62076772 |
Nov 7, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
415/169.1 ;
29/889 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 9/006 20130101;
F04D 13/02 20130101; F04D 29/4293 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04D 9/00 20060101
F04D009/00; F04D 13/02 20060101 F04D013/02; F04D 29/42 20060101
F04D029/42; F04D 29/62 20060101 F04D029/62; F04D 1/00 20060101
F04D001/00; F04D 29/22 20060101 F04D029/22 |
Claims
1. A priming assembly for use with portable pump assemblies, the
priming assembly comprising: a body having a first end that is
constructed to cooperate with a pump housing of a portable pump and
a second end that is offset from the first end; and a chamber
defined by the body and extending between the first end and the
second end of the body, the chamber defining a cross-sectional area
associated with the first end of the body that is less than a
cross-sectional area of the chamber associated with the second end
of the body.
2. The portable pump priming assembly of claim 1 further comprising
a cover that removably cooperates with the second end of the
body.
3. The portable pump priming assembly of claim 2 wherein the cover
threadably cooperates with the second end of the body.
4. The portable pump priming assembly of claim 1 further comprising
a valve assembly disposed proximate the first end of the body and
configured to be movable between an open configuration and a closed
configuration.
5. The portable pump priming assembly of claim 4 wherein the valve
assembly further comprises at least one of a plunger, a ball valve,
and a buoyant valve body.
6. The portable pump priming assembly of claim 4 further comprising
an actuator associated with the valve assembly and disposed outside
the body.
7. The portable pump priming assembly of claim 1 further comprising
an indicia associated with operation of the pump priming assembly
wherein the indicia is formed on one of a cover and an
actuator.
8. The portable pump priming assembly of claim 1 wherein the body
has a frustoconical shape.
9. The portable pump priming assembly of claim 1 wherein the body
further defines a discharge opening disposed between the first end
and the second end.
10. The portable pump priming assembly of claim 1 further
comprising a power plant connected to the pump housing configured
to operate an impeller disposed therein.
11. The portable pump priming assembly of claim 10 further
comprising a disable control configured to prevent operation of the
power plant when an inadequate prime condition exists.
12. A power driven pump assembly comprising: a pump housing; an
impeller disposed in the pump housing and configured to communicate
a working fluid along a working fluid path from a working fluid
inlet toward a working fluid outlet during operation of the
impeller; and a priming chamber configured to be in fluid
communication with the working fluid path and defined by a priming
passage inlet having a larger cross section area than a priming
passage outlet.
13. The power driven pump assembly of claim 12 wherein the priming
chamber is defined by one of the pump housing and a priming housing
configured to sealingly cooperate with the pump housing.
14. The power driven pump assembly of claim 13 wherein the priming
chamber is defined by the priming housing and the priming housing
defines the working fluid outlet.
15. The power driven pump assembly of claim 12 further comprising a
valve assembly disposed between the priming passage inlet and
working fluid outlet.
16. The power driven pump assembly of claim 15 wherein the valve
assembly is operable to selectively fluidly connect the priming
chamber to the working fluid path.
17. A method of forming a power driven pump assembly, the method
comprising: providing a pump defined by a pump housing that defines
a pump chamber and that substantially encloses an impeller
configured to communicate a working fluid from a working fluid
inlet to a working fluid outlet during operation of the impeller;
and forming a priming charge passage that is configured to
communicate a fluid priming charge to the pump chamber for priming
the pump and that is defined by a priming charge inlet that has a
larger cross section area than an outlet of the priming charge
passage.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising providing at least
one of a cap that removable cooperates with the priming charge
inlet and a valve assembly that selectively separates at least a
portion of the priming charge passage from the pump chamber.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising providing an indicia
on the at least one of the cap and an actuator associated the valve
assembly wherein the indicia indicates a priming operation.
20. The method of claim 17 further comprising forming the priming
charge passage with at least one of a portion of the pump housing
and a priming housing configured to removably cooperate with the
pump housing.
21. The method of claim 17 further comprising providing a power
plant configured to drive the impeller of the pump during operation
of the power plant.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional patent application and
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/076,772 filed on Nov. 7, 2014 titled PUMP PRIMING ASSEMBLIES and
U.S. Design patent application Ser. No 29/508,574 filed on Nov. 7,
2014 titled WATER PUMP PRIMER BODY and the disclosures of which are
expressly incorporated herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to assemblies that
facilitate priming and maintaining a primed condition of the pump
during operation of fluid pumps.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] When starting a centrifugal water pump powered by an
internal combustion engine or other power source, the pump must
first be filled with fluid, such as water, to initiate the fluid
moving cycle. Such a practice is commonly referred to as priming
the pump or pump priming. Pump priming is an important step for
fluid pump startup procedures but it is also a frequently forgotten
step. Lack of the initial water or fluid charge in the pump can
result in damage to pump components, such as seals or the like, and
is frequently attributable to overheating conditions associated
with service life and operation of the pump. Pump performance and
longevity can also be severely impacted if the pump is operated
under an improperly primed condition. Accordingly, operation of
fluid pumps without adequate priming conditions can cause high
product return rates, warranty issues, and user dissatisfaction due
to the unwanted and undesired damage and/or perceived improper
function of the pump assembly. As pump priming is not an intuitive
step even for frequent users of such devices, communicating the
need to prime the pump before starting in a more intuitive manner
than via user manuals, instructions, and/or hand tags, etc. would
be desirable.
[0004] Further, the orifice associated with the priming activity is
customarily small, frequently only approximately one inch in
diameter, and is filled by a bucket or other portable reservoir.
When pouring water into the priming passage, a significant quantity
of water can spill over the sides, over the pump, and onto the
ground rather than into the pump housing. Additionally, many such
systems include a bung or similar plug structure that obstructs the
priming opening during operation of the pump. A tool is commonly
required to effectuate removal and insertion of the plug with
respect to the pump housing between each priming and pump operating
condition. Due to the generally small volume associated with the
priming passage, it can also periodically be necessary to
repeatedly prime a pump before the pump can achieve a condition of
maintaining a self-sustained operating condition associated with
movement of fluid in a desired manner. Accordingly, there is a
desire to provide a pump priming assembly that is intuitive to
operate, provides an obvious indication associated with the priming
activity, is easy to operate, and can achieve the desired
self-sustained operation of the pump device with a single priming
activity.
[0005] The present invention discloses various pump priming
arrangements or assemblies that resolve one or more of the
shortcomings disclosed above. One aspect of the invention includes
a pump priming assembly that enlarges the opening into a funnel or
similar enlarged shape fill area at the pump so that water can be
added to the pump more easily and such that the priming step is
visually called out. In those configurations that include a
removable cap, ease of associating the bung or cap with the opening
is enhanced via the use of coarse threads. In other operable
arrangements a limited turn, such as a quarter turn actuator,
handle, or lever, etc., is provided to allow selective fluid
connectivity between the volume associated with the priming
assembly and the operating volume associated with the working fluid
path associated with operation of the pump. Various aspects of the
present invention include features associated with addressing and
resolving the issue of potential damage to the pump due to improper
priming conditions and/or insufficient fluid flow through the pump
assembly.
[0006] One aspect of the invention discloses a priming assembly for
use with portable pump assemblies. The priming assembly includes a
body having a first end that is constructed to cooperate with a
pump housing of a portable pump and a second end that is offset
from the first end. A chamber is defined by the body and extends
between the first end and the second end of the body. The chamber
is defined by a cross-sectional area associated with the first or
pump facing end of the body that is less than a cross-sectional
area of the chamber associated with the second or fill end of the
body.
[0007] Another aspect of the invention discloses a power driven
pump assembly that includes a pump housing and an impeller that is
disposed in the pump housing. The impeller is configured to
communicate a working fluid along a working fluid path from a
working fluid inlet toward a working fluid outlet during operation
of the impeller. A priming chamber is configured to be in fluid
communication with the working fluid path and is defined by a
priming passage inlet that has a larger cross section area than a
priming passage outlet associated with communicating a priming
fluid to the working fluid path associated with the impeller.
[0008] A further aspect of the invention discloses a method of
forming a power driven pump assembly that includes providing a pump
defined by a pump housing that defines a pump chamber and that
substantially encloses an impeller configured to communicate a
working fluid from a working fluid inlet to a working fluid outlet
during operation of the impeller. A priming charge passage is
provided that is configured to communicate a fluid priming charge
to the pump chamber for priming the pump and is defined by a
priming charge inlet that has a larger cross section area than an
outlet of the priming charge passage.
[0009] These and other aspects and features of the invention will
be further understood from the drawings and the following brief and
detailed description of the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The drawings illustrate a preferred construction of the
present invention in which the above advantages and features are
clearly disclosed as well as others which will be readily
understood from the following description of the illustrated
embodiment.
[0011] In the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary portable pump
assembly that includes a priming assembly according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of the priming assembly
shown therein associated with another exemplary portable pump
assembly;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the priming assembly shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2 removed from the respective underlying pump
assemblies;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a left side elevation view of the priming assembly
shown in FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front side elevation view of the priming
assembly shown in FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 6 is right side elevation view of the priming assembly
shown in FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the priming assembly shown in
FIG. 3;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a rear side elevation view of the priming assembly
shown in FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the priming assembly shown
in FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a graphical perspective cross section view of the
priming assembly shown in FIG. 3 associated with an underlying
pump;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a priming assembly
according to another embodiment of the invention and having a
selectively operable valve assembly;
[0023] FIGS. 12-17 are side and plan views of the priming assembly
shown in FIG. 11;
[0024] FIG. 18 is a partial cross section view of the priming
assembly shown in FIG. 11 taken along line 18-18 shown in FIG. 17
and with an alternate handle associated with the valve
assembly;
[0025] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the priming assembly shown
in FIG. 1i with the alternate handle associated with the valve
assembly;
[0026] FIG. 20 is a perspective top view of the priming assembly
shown in FIG. 11 with a valve assembly according to an alternate
embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIGS. 21-26 are side and plan views of the priming and valve
assembly shown in FIG. 20;
[0028] FIG. 27 is a partial section perspective view of the priming
and valve assembly shown in FIG. 20;
[0029] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the valve assembly shown in
FIG. 20 removed from the priming assembly housing;
[0030] FIG. 29 is a perspective cross section view of the priming
and valve assembly shown in FIG. 20 associated with a pump assembly
with an alternate handle associated therewith; and
[0031] FIG. 30 is a schematic representation of another valve
assembly usable with one or more of the priming assemblies shown
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The various features and advantageous details of the subject
matter disclosed herein are explained more fully with reference to
the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following
description.
[0033] With reference to the accompanying figures. FIGS. 1 and 2
show portable pump assemblies 10, 11 which are each equipped with a
pump prime assembly 12 according to a first aspect of the present
invention. Each portable pump assembly 10, 11 includes a pump
assembly or simply referred to as a pump 14 that is generally
defined by a housing 40 configured to enclose an impeller. An
internal combustion engine 16 is operationally connected to pump 14
such that operation of the internal combustion engine 16
effectuates rotation and/or driving operation of the impeller
associated with pump 14. It is appreciated that the present
invention is usable with pump assemblies associated with other
power plants or drive devices such as a motor or the like. It is
further appreciated that selective drive arrangements, such as a
clutch or the like, can be provided between the respective power
source, such as engine 16, and a shaft associated with the impeller
to accommodate selective operation of the impeller during operation
of the respective power source.
[0034] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a fuel source or tank 18
is operationally connected to internal combustion engine 16 to
effectuate operation of the underlying internal combustion engine.
A chassis or frame 20 preferably supports the pump assembly or pump
14 and internal combustion engine 16. Frame 20 can include one or
more grip sites 22 (FIG. 1) and/or one or more handles 24, and/or
wheels 26, 28 (FIG. 2) associated with transportation of the
respective portable pump assembly 10, 11. It is further appreciated
that internal combustion engine 16 can be configured as a manual
start engine, as indicated by recoil handle 30, or provided in an
electronic start configuration such as via inclusion of a starter
and/or other electronic ignition system components and/or controls.
It is further appreciated that an electric motor can be utilized to
effectuate the drive power associated with operation of a
respective pump assembly.
[0035] Housing 40 of pump 14 generally defines a working fluid
passage inlet 42 and an outlet passage 44. In the configurations
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, outlet passage 44 associated with pump
housing 40 is fluidly connected to a first passage opening 46
defined by a body or housing 48 of pump prime assembly 12. It is
further appreciated that pump housing 40 and prime assembly housing
48 could be formed as a unitary assembly and that providing a pump
prime assembly that can removably cooperate with an underlying pump
assembly accommodates use of pump prime assembly 12 as a convenient
add-on or retrofit for existing portable pump assemblies.
[0036] Housing 48 of pump prime assembly 12 defines an outlet or
discharge opening 50 that is fluidly connectable to a cavity
associated with pump housing 40 configured to contain the impeller
associated with of pump 14 and communicates the working fluid flow
to downstream devices or to atmosphere when portable pump
assemblies 10, 11 are used to move a volume of fluid from one
location to another. It is further appreciated that pump prime
assembly 12 could be configured to cooperate with a prime inlet of
existing pumps wherein the pump housing 40 defines the discharge
outlet associated with operation of the pump assembly. Regardless
of the orientation of the discharge outlet relative to the pump
prime assembly housing or the pump housing, fluid inlet 42 and
discharge opening 50 are each preferably constructed to removably
cooperate with hoses or the like associated with the communicating
the fluid to be moved to and from the portable pump assembly
10.
[0037] A cap or cover 54 removably cooperates with a prime opening
56 defined by housing 48 of pump prime assembly 12. During
operation of portable pump assemblies 10, 11, operation of the
impeller associated with pump 14 effectuates movement of the
working fluid from inlet 42 associated with housing 40 of pump 14
and discharging the fluids via opening 50 associated with housing
48 of pump prime assembly 12. Cover 54 preferably cooperates with
housing 48 of pump prime assembly 12 in a sealed manner and in a
manner wherein cover 54 can be removed from and associated with
housing 48 in a tool-less manner via a threaded or other mechanical
connection methodology. When provided in as cooperating threaded
surfaces, it is appreciated that the threaded interaction can be
provided as a generally course or partial thread pattern to reduce
the number of rotations associated with providing a secure but
removable connection therebetween. It is further appreciated that
other methodologies, such as a spring clip retainer assembly and/or
a projection and channel association between cover 54 and housing
48, could be provided to effectuate the securable but removable
connection between cover 54 and housing 48 of pump prime assembly
12.
[0038] Regardless of the relative orientation of the inlet and the
outlet associated with moving the working fluid, the chamber
associated with pump prime assembly 12 is fluidly connected to the
work fluid path. As disclosed further below, it is appreciated that
the entirety of, or only a portion of, the volume defined by the
pump prime assembly can be selectively isolated from the working
fluid flow paths--such as instances wherein a desired prime
condition has been achieved and/or during self-sustained operation
of the underlying pump 14.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 3-10, housing 48 of pump prime assembly
12 includes a flange 60 that includes one or more openings 62
associated with securing pump prime assembly 12 to housing 40 of
pump 14 such that inlet opening 46 associated with housing 48 of
pump prime assembly 12 overlies the discharge opening or outlet
passage 44 associated with pump housing 40. It is further
appreciated that housing 48 of pump prime assembly 12 can be
configured to cooperate with any number of discharge opening
constructions associated with variations to pump housing
constructions. Cover 54 is constructed to rotatably cooperate with
prime opening 56 of housing 48 of pump prime assembly 12. Cover 54
includes a handle portion 68 that extends in a generally upward
direction therefrom. Cover 54 also preferably includes at least one
indicia 70 associated with providing an indication as to the
required priming associated with achieving self-sustained operation
of pump 14. Although shown as an alphanumeric indication, it is
appreciated that indicia 70 could be provided in various forms
including a readily observable and understandable graphic image, a
color indication such as safety yellow or the like, etc., to
provide the desired indication as to the priming function
associated with utilization and/or operation of pump prime assembly
12.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, housing 48 of pump prime
assembly 12 defines a chamber 78 associated with communicating the
priming fluid between priming opening 56 and opening 46 associated
with housing 48 of pump prime assembly 12. The cross-sectional
area, indicated by arrow 80, associated with fill opening 56 is
preferably greater than the cross-sectional area, indicated by
arrow 82, associated with opening 46 of housing 48 of pump prime
assembly 12. Said in another way, the cross-sectional area
associated with chamber 78 of pump prime assembly 12 increases in
an upward direction, indicated by arrow 84, toward opening 56
associated with housing 48. Preferably, a volume associated with
chamber 78 of housing 48 of pump prime assembly 12 is sufficient to
accommodate at least a portion of a volume of water associated with
initial priming necessary for self-sustained operation of pump 14.
The larger cross-sectional shape associated with opening 56
improves the efficiency with which the user can prime the pump and
mitigates some of the detrimental consequences associated with
small and limited accessible prime openings or passages disclosed
above.
[0041] It is further envisioned that the volume associated with
chamber 78 can be configured to provide a volume sufficient for
multiple prime or at least partial prime activities associated with
intermittent use or operation of the underlying portable pump
assembly 10, 11. Regardless of the number of priming activities
contemplated by the volume of chamber 78 associated with housing 48
of pump prime assembly 12, pump prime assembly 12 provides an
opening 56 that is both more readily accessible and defines a
larger footprint associated with the user's manual initial
communication of the priming charge associated with operation of
pump 14. Such considerations mitigate spillage and/or wetting of
ancillary components associated with pump 14 and/or engine 16 as
well as the surrounding areas and provides an intuitive indication
as to the desired priming activity prior to operation of the
respective portable pump assembly 10, 11.
[0042] FIGS. 11-19 disclose a pump prime assembly 100 according to
another embodiment of the invention. Pump prime assembly 100
includes a housing 102 having an inlet end 104 and an outlet end
106. As used herein, it should be appreciated that the use of the
terms "inlet" and "outlet" refer to the direction of the priming
fluid flow as compared to the direction of the working fluid flow
associated with operation of the underlying pump assembly. Outlet
end 106 is constructed to be sealingly secured to a pump housing
such that outlet end 106 is fluidly connectable to the chamber
associated with operation of the underlying pump. Like pump prime
assembly 12, pump prime assembly 100 includes a cross-sectional
area associated with outlet end 106 that is smaller than or less
than the cross-sectional area associated with the opening of inlet
end 104. Housing 102 extends in a generally inverted frusto-conical
shape between the opening associated with inlet end 104 and the
opening associated with outlet end 106. Housing 102 defines a
volume or chamber 108 that is shaped to communicate the priming
charge to the underlying pump and sufficient to contain a remaining
priming charge. It should be appreciated that whereas housing 48
associated with pump prime assembly 12 includes the working fluid
discharge opening 50, housing 102 of pump prime assembly 100
includes no such opening such that prime assembly 100 is configured
to cooperate with underlying pump systems wherein the pump housing
includes such a working fluid outlet. Alternatively, it is
appreciated that housing 102 could include such a working fluid
outlet and that such an outlet would be disposed nearer outlet end
106 than inlet end 104 with a valve assembly as described below
disposed between such a working fluid outlet and the inlet end 104
of housing 102.
[0043] Unlike pump prime assembly 12, pump prime assembly 100
includes a valve arrangement 110 that is operable to selectively
isolate passage of fluid beyond outlet end 106 from chamber 108 to
the underlying pump assembly. Valve arrangement 110 includes an
actuator 112 that is attached to a shaft 114 that operatively
cooperates with a valve assembly 116. Alternate ends 118, 120 of
shaft 114 are supported by housing 102 of pump prime assembly 100.
An actuator 130, such as a handle, extends from housing 102 and is
configured to be manipulated by the user so as to manipulate the
orientation of valve assembly 116 between a sealed or closed and an
unsealed or open valve configuration.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 18-19, valve assembly 116 includes a
plunger 150 that is attached to a stem 152 that terminates in a
distal end 154. Distal end 154 is slidably associated with a cam
lobe 156 supported by shaft 114. Rotation of shaft 114 due to
manipulation of the actuator or handle 130 effectuates rotation of
lobe 156 relative to end 154 associated with stem 152 to effectuate
vertical translation, indicated by arrow 160, of plunger 150
relative to a seat 162 associated with valve assembly 116. When
open, a seal body 164 associated with plunger 150 is displaced from
seat 162 so as to allow fluid communication between an upper
portion 168 and a lower portion 170 of chamber 108. A biasing
device, such as a spring 178 is associated with stem 152 of valve
assembly 116 and configured to bias seal body 164 into engagement
with seat 162 when lobe 156 is not otherwise aligned with end 154
of stem 152. Such consideration maintains valve assembly 116 in a
generally closed configuration other than those instances where
operator interaction with handle 130 manually opens valve assembly
116 to effectuate the priming process.
[0045] It is further appreciated that the sealed interaction
associated with valve assembly 116 could be disposed at a lowermost
end of pump prime assembly 100 such that the valve assembly
selectively isolates the entirety of the volume defined by pump
prime assembly from the fluid chamber or working fluid chamber
defined by the underlying pump housing. Regardless of the relative
position of the sealable features of valve assembly 116, the open
orientation associated with valve assembly 116 allows passage of
fluid introduced via the opening associated with inlet end 104
associated with pump prime assembly 100 to pass into the housing
associated with an underlying pump. Upon completion of a priming
process, operation of handle 130 in a closing direction disengages
lobe 156 from end 154 of stem 152 thereby allowing seal body 164 to
interact with seat 162 effectively fluidly isolating upper portion
168 associated with volume or chamber 108 from the working fluid
path associated with operation of an underlying pump.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 19, handle 130 can include indicia 180
and/or be otherwise shaped, colored, or contoured to provide an
indication as to the operation of the priming function associated
with pump prime assembly 100.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 20-29, in an alternate configuration
valve assembly 116 is provided in a ball valve configuration 190.
As is commonly understood, ball valve configuration 190 includes a
ball portion 192 having an opening 194 that is formed therethrough.
Ball portion 192 rotatably cooperates with housing 102 of pump
prime assembly 100 and is rotatable to allow opening 194 to be
aligned with portions 168, 170 of chamber 108 to allow fluid
communication therebetween or to a transverse orientation such that
the structure of ball portion 192 interferes with fluid
communication between portion 168 and portion 170 associated with
chamber 108. As is commonly understood, rotation of handle 130
approximately 45.degree., 90.degree., or any less than 360.degree.
of rotation can be used to effectuate the desired fluid connection
and/or separation between respective portions 168, 170 associated
with chamber 108.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 30, in yet a further alternate embodiment,
valve assembly 116 associated with pump prime assembly 100 can
include a priming flow passage or a chase 200 and a ball 202 that
slidably cooperates therewith. Ball 202 is formed of a buoyant
material and cooperates with alternate constrictions 204, 206
associated with passage of fluid, indicated by arrow 208, through
chase 200. Once adequately primed, sufficient water is allowed to
pass beyond ball 202 into the underlying pump housing assembly such
that ball 202 is biased into engagement with constriction 204 so as
to prevent fluid communication therebetween and egress of the
priming fluid and working fluid once pump operation is achieved.
When a prime condition is necessary, ball 202 translates in a
downward direction relative to chase 200 thereby providing an
indication as to an inadequate prime condition. Constrictions 204,
206 maintain the operative association of ball 202 with chase 200
whether a suitable or unsuitable prime condition has been achieved.
It should be appreciated that the cross sectional size of chase 200
between constrictions 204, 206 is larger than the cross sectional
shape of ball 202 such that the priming fluid can flow through
chase 200 and around ball 202 until an adequate primed condition is
achieved so as to seat ball 202 relative to constriction 204. Ball
202 remains seated against constriction 204 during self-sustained
operation of the underlying pump assembly and thereby prevents
egress of the working fluid flow via the priming assembly during
operation of the underlying pump assembly.
[0049] It is further appreciated that each of the exemplary valve
assemblies associated with prime assembly 100 effectuate selective
fluid separation between the working fluid flow path and exposure
to atmosphere associated with inlet end 104 whereas cover 54
provides a similar function associated with pump prime assembly 12.
Accordingly, although not necessary for operation, pump prime
assembly 100 could also be provided with a cap or cover associated
with preventing the introduction of dirt or debris into upper
portion 168 of chamber 108 associated with pump prime assembly 100.
It should be appreciated that such a cap or cover would not
necessarily need to be secured housing 102 in a manner wherein the
cap and housing cooperate in a manner wherein the cap must
withstand the operating pressure associated with operation of the
underlying pump assembly.
[0050] It is further appreciated that one or more of the alternate
valve assemblies 116 and/or pump prime assemblies as disclosed
herein can be configured to communicate with an auto shutdown
paradigm associated with operation of the underlying internal
combustion engine and/or pump. For instance, it is appreciated that
one or more of an electrical, electro-mechanical, or mechanical
arrangements can be provided and/or associated with cover 54 and
priming housing 48, and/or the respective valve assemblies 116
and/or actuators, and be configured to provide a signal and/or
interact with the ignition, fuel, or motor operation systems
associated with the underlying portable pump assembly to prevent
and/or terminate operation of the underlying power plant a pump
primed condition has been effectuated and/or is reestablished. Such
a consideration prevents operation of the underlying pump went
inadequate pump prime and/or working fluid flow conditions
exist.
[0051] It should be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and arrangements of
the components set forth herein. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.
Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope
of the present invention. It also being understood that the
invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative
combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or
evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present
invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes
known for practicing the invention and will enable those skilled in
the art to utilize the invention.
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